The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-01
IN MEMORY OF LEE.
Laying the Cornerstone of the
Monument.
DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE PRESENT.


cessant downpour of rain, remained unbroken
and threatening, and Richmond's big day
was ushered in with misty rain which fell
steadily, with no indication of cessation
Despite all this, however, the people of the
city and many thousand visitors were early
on the streets, and by 9 o'clock the moving
multitude was so great that it was plainly
evident that Richmonds population for the
day was as large and probably larger than on
any previous occasion. AT an early hour the
sound OF martial music was heard in every
direction, and military, mounted and afoot,
could be seen moving to their vari-
Gus positions preparatory to the formation
of the procession Mounted marshals and
couriers dashed hither and thither, directing
the movements of troops and arranging the
line of march.
Before ten o'clock the rain had temporarily
ceased, but the clouds remained unbroken and
threatening. The people, however, seemed
not to notice this, but had apparently made up
their minds to carry out the programme of tho
day in all details, rain or shine. The visiting
military consists of two corps of cadets, one
from the Virginia Military institute and tho
other from Blacksburg Agricultural and Me-
chanical college; two regiments Virginia in
fantry, three companies of cavalry, four COM
panies of artillery, also two companies of in
fantry from North Carolina, and one from
Maryland. Besides these there are several
camps of confederate veterans from different
parts of the state, and six hundred veterans of
the Maryland Line. The latter arrived here
this morning, and their appearance on the
streets with the Marine band of Washington at
the head of the line created considerable
interest, and they were everywhere greeted
with enthusiasm. Four professors and fifty
five students arrived this morning from WASH
ington and Lee university General r. e. Lee
was at the time of his death president of the
institution, and was succeeded by his son,
General G. w. Curtis Lee, who is now presi-
dent. Owing to the recent illness of the latter,
he was unable to participate in todayS cere-
monies, but his brothers, General w. II. f.
(popularly known az "Rooney') Lee, and Cap
tain Robert e. Lee, are here. The only other
immediate members of the family are two
daughters, who are at present in Europe.
At few minutes before eleven O'Clock,
everything being in readiness, the procession
began to move. At the head of the line, after
detachments of mounted police, came the
chief marshal of the day, General Wade
Fitzhugh Lee, both superbly mounted.
Then followed the governors staff in brilliant
uniform and assistant marshals. Next in sue
cessiye order came the Virginia Confederate
Veteran camps, Veterans of tho Maryland
line, Volunteer Infantry of Virginia, and North
Carolina Artillery, and then all various civic
organizations, embracing the Grand Lodge of
Virginia blaSonS two Communicates of
knights Templar; Blue Lodge Masons;
Druids, Elks, Junior Order of American Me-
chanics; Odd Fellows, and other societies in
regalia. The whole made such display as
has never before been seen in Richmond
Dense crowds packed the sidewalks along the
whole route of march, and the enthusiasm of
the popuace was given vent to in almost in
cessant cheers to be but increased as some ia
vorite or famed organization passed by.
The procession was nearly an hour in passing
a given point, the Richmond fire department,
with all apparatus, bringing up the rear. Win
doWs and every other available elevated place
along the line OF march were filed with people,
mainly ladies', who cheered the wet procession
lists by waving hats and handkerchiefs and ex-
pressed their pleasure in various other ways.
The scene, as the head of the column marched
into the monument grounds, was, despite the
drizzle, very inspiring-General Wade Hamp-
ton and Governor Lee riding in front, side by
side, as lovingly as when in other days they
commanded cavalry in the army of northern
Virginia. The cavalry escort, distinguished
guests in carriages, veterans and military all
combined to make - brilliant pageant. The
statue of Fame Growing Lee at the entrance
of the grounds was surrounded by about one
hundred veteran-inmates of the Con-
federate Soldiers Home, and as
the head of the line approached
they unveiled the statue and fred salute.
This statue is a plaster cast of the colossal one
on an imitation granite base, designed and
constructed by John A. Eden and w. L.
o
lists, and is the decided feature of the many
designs and decorations TO be seen throughout
the city. The enthusiasm Of the veterans of
Lee Camp home was touching to witness as
they recognized so many of their old leaders
and comrades in line and greeted them with
the old-time confederate yell, which, if not as
strong rs i'll former days, was at least as hearty
and sincere The grand stand, to which adj
mission was had only by tickets of invitation,
was soon filed, while many thousands stood
in tha nd and rair in oil
possible The Marine band, of Washington,
played "DiXlc," "Star Spangled Banner"
''Yankee Doodle" and other popular airs,
while the veterans, grand lodge of Masons and
other organizations took the places assigned
them.
Despite the constant drizzle, which soon in
creased to hard rain, the people held their
places with amazing patience. A veteran
voiced the sentiments of all, when he said
I'VE used to follow MaTSe Bob in much
worse weather than this, and surely we can
chcerfully stand this to do him honor"
Governor Lee called the vast assemblage to
order and said
Citizens and Comrades: As governor of Vjr,inia
Tam, under the law, member Of the Lee Monument
association. and by the action of that association
am its president The duty therefore, deyolyes upon
Of opening these cerCm mics, which are to mark
not only al event in the history Of VIRGINIA and its
capital city but Of an sections Of or ~, whore
the hcroism OF the southern soldieIy is duly appre.
cated aud remembered. fAppl8uEel
now Lave the honor OF introducing 30 you one of
hlcunOnuS QHtls us4cu QINlNei, Kew, Dr. Moses ID.
Hoge.
At the conclusion Of the governor S remarks,
DR.. Hoge, Of the Presbyterian church. vino
was IN intimate personal friend Of General H.
i. Lee, in clear and distinct tones offered q
feryent and appropriate prayer, in which he
thanked Tod for the life and example of Il. u.
Lee, aud prayed that lis old soldiers and rising
generations might initiate his many virtues.
The grand lodge Of Virginia Masons, Most
Worshipfu Grand Master w. r. Driukard
presiding, took charge Of the corner stone and
IN due and ancient form" and with the inn
posing rites Of the order, proceeded TO lay il.
At the conclusion Of the ceremonies, Gov
ernor Ice, in the name of the Lee Monument
association received the work from the hands
Of the grand master and expressed the hope
that the monument might "be as enduring as
the reputation Of the soldier whose memory it
commentaries"
At this juncture the rain became 30 heavy
that the governor, after consultation with
others, announced that further exercises would
be postponed and that the poem and Grafton
would be delivered tonight in the hall Of the
house OF delegates. The crowd even then
seemed reluctant 10 dsperse, but finally sought
shelter ia the best Of hunyr, many proceeding
to the state fair grounds TO spend the remain
der Of the day.
Among the many cX-coniederates present,
who were frequently greeted with cheers and
applause as they were recognized By the crowd,
were: General W. II. T.. and Captain Henry
. = .Nstf o..